Acne Safe Sunlight Better Or Not? Docters Ideas
acne safe sunlight

Acne is one of the most common skin issues. It not only gives an unsightly appearance but also can cause permanent scarring on the skin. Getting rid of acne actually seems like the ultimate skin goal for every person suffering from it and they hardly leave any stone unturned. There has been a long standing concept that sunlight can heal acne but is it really true? Sunlight, which is considered harmful for even healthy skin, can be actually safe for acne prone skin? In this article, we will take a deeper look into it.

How sunlight affects the skin

The impact of sunlight on the skin is not debated any more. All the researchers have finally agreed that exposure to excess sunrays can be highly damaging for the skin. However, exposure to mild or controlled sunray can actually fetch some benefits. Though this idea is still debated, there are some explanations to support.

Sunlight is the most common source of ultra violet ray, which has excellent antibacterial properties. Ultraviolet ray can kill the infection causing bacteria on the skin thus helping with the acne. Sun rays also dry out the skin, which temporarily reduces the problem of excess oil and thus helps in controlling acne. Sunlight can also suppress the immune response of the body for some time and thus reduce the redness and inflammation on the skin caused by acne.

Sunlight adds color to the skin. Sunlight also has a direct effect in reducing stress and a less stressful life can easily improve the acne condition. So, the sunlight is not that bad at all. However, the positive effects of sun on the skin exist only till the exposure to the sunrays is minimum or controlled. It turns extremely bad for the skin as soon as your skin is exposed to extreme sunlight or sunlight for longer hours.

High exposure to sun can damage the skin resulting into skin tanning. Sunray is also a major cause of freckles and age spots. It can deteriorate the overall skin condition quickly and can induce the signs of skin aging more rapidly.

So, now as you have got some idea about how exactly sunlight affects the skin, let us get to the main topic of this article, is sunlight safe for acne prone skin?

Effect of sunlight on acne prone skin

Acne prone skin is generally more sensitive and sensitive skin takes the burn of sunlight even more quickly. Exposure to sunlight can give rise to various problems on acne prone skin. Sunlight exposure can cause mild or severe skin allergies which can easily take turn to acne. Sunlight dries out the skin, which triggers the production of more oil by the skin in the long run. So, though you might feel that the sun exposure has reduced the problem of excess oil immediately, it will only aggravate the problem in the long run.

Castor oil with beans on wooden surface
Castor oil with beans on wooden surface
Moreover, the UV rays of sunlight kills bacteria on the skin. You have to keep in mind that a healthy bacterial colony on the skin is the key to a healthy skin. These bacterial colonies protect and nurture the skin naturally. So, if the UV rays kill the skin friendly bacteria, the natural protective barrier of the skin is lost, which increases the chance of getting serious bacterial infections on the skin.

Sunray has been found to be a major cause of premature skin aging. It harms the skin cells and can induce the signs of premature skin aging easily. As acne prone skin is more sensitive, sunlight is expected to harm it even more, not only resulting into skin tanning but also inducing symptoms of premature skin aging.

So, if you have acne prone skin you have to make sure that your skin is always saved from harsh exposure to sunlight. However, if you are able to control the sun exposure according to the suitability of your skin, it might actually work as a treatment.

How controlled sun exposure can help acne prone skin

Controlled, mild sun exposure might be a boon for acne prone skin. It will help killing the infection causing bad bacteria on the skin and thus not only reduce the existing acne but will also reduce the chance of future acne breakouts. Mild sun exposure for few minutes can give a natural glow to the skin and is also good for the body overall as it helps in Vitamin D synthesis.

So, while exposure to harsh sunlight or exposure to sunlight for longer hours is not safe for acne prone skin, controlled and minimum exposure to sunrays is not only safe but can also bring some great benefits for the acne prone skin. However, the crucial point here is to find out the right amount of sun exposure that is suitable for your skin and can work as a treatment.

Taking controlled sun exposure

When you are trying to treat your acne prone skin with controlled sun exposure, it is important to take the right precautions. Do never plan to take sun exposure when you are going out. When you are out, you actually have no direct control over how much sun exposure your skin should get. So, do not just step out without your sunscreen to give your skin some sun exposure.

You should only treat your skin with sunrays when you are at home, so that you can easily control the exposure according to the requirements. Sit in the verandah or near the window where the sunray is coming. Instead of using the noon or late noon sunrays for treating your skin, it is better to opt for the morning hours, when the sunray is naturally not so harsh.

When you are taking sun exposure, it is best to place a cotton cloth covering your face and not to face the sunlight directly. This cotton cloth will work as a sieve and make the sunlight milder for your skin. Adjust the distance of the cloth depending on the intensity of the sunrays.

If you have pale or whitish skin complexion, you should not opt for more than 5 minutes of sun exposure on alternate days to start with. For, darker skin tones, 5 minutes of daily sun exposure might be suitable at the beginning. Light skinned people might increase their sun exposure to a maximum of 15 minutes each day, depending on how exactly their skin is responding to the sun. For people with darker skin tone, the time might stretch to a maximum of 20-25 minutes each day.

However, it is important to keep in mind that every skin is unique and hence every skin can react differently to the sun exposure. It is only wise to start with minimum exposure and then increases the time and frequency if it goes well with your skin. If even the minimum exposure seems to be irritating or drying for your skin, skip it all together, because even a bit of unrequired sun exposure can be damaging for your skin.

Sunscreen is vital for acne prone skin

If your skin is prone to acne, it is important that you do not miss to lather on sunscreen whenever you are going out during the day. Even on a cloudy day there is enough UV radiation to harm the skin, in case of uncontrolled exposure. Chose a sunscreen that is light on the skin and do not cause sweating, which can increase the chance of getting more pimples. Also opt for physical barriers, like umbrella, hat and scarfs to give maximum protection to your skin from uncontrolled exposure to sun.

Important Tips For Women’s Health Containing Heart, Mind, and Body
womens health
Looking for the path toward a healthier you? It’s not hard to find. The journey begins with some simple tweaks to your lifestyle. The right diet, exercise, and stress-relief plan all play a big role.

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

There’s an easy recipe if your goal is to keep away problems like heart disease and strokes.

Eat more fruits and veggies.
Choose whole grains. Try brown rice instead of white. Switch to whole wheat pasta.
Choose lean proteins like poultry, fish, beans, and legumes.
Cut down on processed foods, sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
When eating healthy, flexibility often works best, says Joyce Meng, MD, assistant professor at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health. If you like to follow a strict diet plan, go for it. If not, it’s OK. “Find what works for you.”

Tricia Montgomery, 52, the founder of K9 Fit Club, knows first-hand how the right diet and lifestyle can help. For her, choosing healthy foods and planning small, frequent meals works well. “I don’t deny myself anything,” she says. “I still have dessert — key lime pie, yum! — and I love frozen gummy bears, but moderation is key.”

Exercise Every Day

The more active you are, the better, Meng says. Exercise boosts your heart health, builds muscle and bone strength, and wards off health problems.

Aim for 2 and a half hours of moderate activity, like brisk walking or dancing, every week. If you’re OK with vigorous exercise, stick to 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of things like running or playing tennis. Add a couple of days of strength training, too.

If you’re busy, try short bursts of activity throughout the day. Walk often. A good target is 10,000 steps a day. Take the stairs. Park your car far away from your destination.

Montgomery exercises every day, often with her dog. By adding lunges, squats, and stairs to a walk, she turns it into a power workout. “I also am a huge Pilates fan,” she says.

Lose Weight

When you shed pounds you’ll lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Aim for a slow, steady drop. Try to lose 1-2 pounds a week by being active and eating better.
“It doesn’t have to be an hour of intense exercise every day,” Meng says. “Any little bit helps.”

As you improve, dial up the time and how hard you work out. If you want to lose a lot of weight, try for 300 minutes of exercise a week.

“Eating a healthy diet will go a long way,” Meng says. Start by cutting sugar, which she says is often hiding in plain sight — in store-bought items like salad dressing, packaged bread, and nuts. Try to avoid soda and sugar-laced coffee drinks, too.

Visit Your Doctor

Get regular checkups. Your doctor keeps track of your medical history and can help you stay healthy. For example, if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, he may want you to get more calcium and vitamin D.

Your doctor may recommend screening tests to keep an eye on your health and catch conditions early when they’re easier to treat.

Keep the lines of communication open. “If you have questions, ask your doctor,” Meng says. “Make sure you understand things to your satisfaction.” If you’re worried about a medication or procedure, talk to him about it.


Cut Down Your stress

It can take a toll on your health. You probably can’t avoid it altogether, but you can find ways to ease the impact. Don’t take on too much. Try to set limits with yourself and others. It’s OK to say no.

To relieve stress, try:

Deep breathing
Meditation
Yoga
Massage
Exercise
Healthy eating
Talking to a friend, family member, or professional counselor
Create Healthy Habits

If you make the right choices today, you can ward off problems tomorrow.

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day.
Don’t smoke.
Limit your alcohol. Keep it to one drink a day.
If you have medication, take it exactly how your doctor prescribed it.
Improve your sleep. Aim for 8 hours. If you have trouble getting shut-eye, talk to your doctor.
Use sunscreen and stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wear your seatbelt.
Take time every day to invest in your health, Meng says.

It paid off for Montgomery. She says she overcame health problems, feels good, and has a positive outlook. “My life,” she says, “is forever changed.”

Tips To Protect Your Body From Winter – Healthy Life
protect body from winter

Nails

In winter, nails become weak and brittle and often split because of the dry air associated with low humidity and central heating. This is caused by the breaking of protein layers in the nail.

A diet lacking in essential fatty acids, known as the cosmetic vitamins, will also aggravate the problem – EFAs are essential in keeping skin soft and smooth. A good source is egg yolks. A supplement of the vitamin biotin will also help. To alleviate dry nails and cuticles, apply an emollient such as petroleum jelly, which holds moisture in and around the nails. At night, apply a thicker layer all over the hands and wear cotton gloves in bed to maximise absorption.

Dry nails can be treated by soaking them in a warm cup of olive oil for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid nail products containing formaldehyde. They dry the nails and can cause dermatitis. Nails need to breathe to keep their strength, so don’t use polish for a few days so the air can reach them.

Hair

Cold weather, woollen hats and declining humidity in the atmosphere bring out the most acute symptoms of scalp ailments such as dandruff and seborrhoeic eczema during the winter.

fitness-in-health

According to John Firmage, fellow of the Institute of Trichologists, hair also becomes dry and brittle in the winter as lack of moisture in the atmosphere dries out the hair shaft. Infection and illness such as flu can also lead to an interruption of the growth cycle, leading to increased shedding of hair.

Cold weather means we are less likely to let hair dry naturally and using dryers and hair tongues causes thermal damage to the hair shaft. Protect the hair during the winter by using protein-based conditioning treatments to increase its moisture content.

Supplements containing Vitamin A, B12 and lysine will also promote growth while zinc will help combat scalp problems. Wool can irritate the scalp, so wear hats made from cotton or a man-made fibre.

Weight gain

At this time of year, many people gain weight. Cold weather makes us less active, while the festive season also exposes us to a greater intake of high-fat foods and we eat more. During the winter, many people develop a delayed sensation of satiety, and this can cause feelings of hunger, even after dinner. Some researchers have suggested that seasonal changes in our hormone levels could also be responsible for gaining all those extra pounds during the winter months.

Mind

The condition known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or the ‘winter blues’ leads to fatigue and lethargy, and since the onset of SAD is related to a lack of sunlight, increase your daily exposure to high intensity artificial light.

Keep curtains and blinds open as long as possible and sit near windows at work.

Incorporate 30 minutes of moderate physical activity – such as a brisk walk or a regular swim – into your daily routine.

A craving for carbohydrates, which is also very common in the winter months, is one of the major complaints of those who suffer from the winter blues, so try to eat fruits and vegetables in season such as apples and bananas as these are filling and low in fat.

plastic-surgery
For many people, going under the knife is a very scary thought. If you’re thinking about plastic surgery, it is important you are aware of both the benefits and the risks. Here are some of the most common and most talked about cosmetic surgery complications.

1. Hematoma
Hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. It occurs in 1-6 percent of breast augmentation procedures and is the most common complication after a facelift. Hematoma is a risk in nearly all surgeries, and treatment sometimes includes additional operations to drain the blood.
2. Nerve Damage
The potential for nerve damage is present in many different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are common after plastic surgery and can be signs of nerve damage. Most women experience a change in sensitivity following breast augmentation surgery and 15 percent permanently lose nipple sensation.

3. Infection
Though postoperative care includes steps to reduce the risk of infection, it remains one of the more common complications of plastic surgery. In breast surgeries, for instance, cellulitis (a skin infection) occurs in 2-4 percent of people. In some cases, infections can be internal and severe, requiring IV antibiotics.
4. Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as pulmonary embolism (PE). Though relatively uncommon, these complications can be fatal.

5. Scarring
Surgery typically results in some scarring. Since cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the way you look, scars can be particularly troubling. Hypertrophic scarring, for instance, is an abnormally red and thick raised scar that occurs after 2-5 percent of breast augmentation procedures.

6. General Appearance Dissatisfaction
Although most people are satisfied with their postoperative outcomes, disappointment with the results is a real possibility. People who undergo breast surgery may experience contouring or asymmetry problems, while those undergoing facial surgeries could simply not like the result.
7. Organ Damage
Liposuction can be traumatic for internal organs. Visceral perforations or punctures can occur when the surgical probe comes into contact with internal organs. Repairing these injuries can require additional surgery. The perforations may also be fatal.

8. Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia is the practice that allows patients to undergo surgery without feeling the procedure. General anesthesia, where medication is used to make you unconscious, can sometimes lead to complications. These include lung infections, stroke, heart attacks, and death. More common anesthesia risks include waking up confused and disoriented, and shivering. A less common complication is anesthesia awareness, or waking up in the middle of surgery.

9. Seroma
Seroma is a condition that occurs when serum from your blood pools beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in swelling and pain. It looks like a large blister. This can occur after any surgery, and is the most common complication of a tummy tuck. Because seromas can become infected, they are often drained with a needle, effectively removing them, although there is a chance of recurrance.

10. Blood Loss
As with any surgery, some blood loss is expected. However, uncontrolled blood loss can lead to a drop in blood pressure with potentially deadly outcomes. Blood loss can happen while on the operating table, but also internally, after surgery.

The Takeaway
As with most surgeries, plastic surgery complications are more common in certain people. For instance, people who are obese and the elderly are more prone to complications.
You can reduce your risk of suffering these unwanted effects by fully vetting your doctor’s credentials and investigating the facility where your surgery will happen. Educating yourself about the procedure and possible risks, and discussing your concerns with your doctor will also help you manage your expectations and reduce the risk of complications.

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Cosmetics are a part of everyday life for both men and women. Many people want to look good and feel good, and they use cosmetics to achieve this. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating consumers on the content of cosmetic products, states that women use an average of 12 personal care products a day, and men use about half that.

Because of the prevalence of cosmetics in society, it’s important to be an informed and educated consumer. Learn what’s in cosmetics and how they affect you and the environment.

The FDA, labeling, and beauty product safety

Many people seek out beauty products that are formulated from healthy, nontoxic ingredients. Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy for consumers to recognize which brands are actually healthy for them and the environment. Labels that claim products are “green,” “natural,” or “organic” are unreliable. There is no government agency responsible for defining or regulating the manufacture of cosmetics.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t have the power to monitor cosmetics as closely as it does food and drugs. The FDA has some legal authority over cosmetics. However, cosmetic products and their ingredients (with the exception of color additives) are not subject to FDA

n other words, the FDA doesn’t check to see if a product that claims to be “100 percent organic” is actually 100 percent organic. Additionally, the FDA can’t recall dangerous cosmetic products.

It’s important that you, the consumer, are informed and purchase products that are healthy and safe for you and the environment. Be aware that some chemicals in certain cosmetic products may be toxic.

Part 3 of 8

Understanding the “makeup” of makeup

To help you make informed decisions, here are four key categories of harmful ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products:

Surfactants

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, surfactants are found in products used for washing. They break up oily solvents produced by skin so they can be washed away with water. Surfactants are combined with additives like dyes, perfumes, and salts in products like foundation, shower gel, shampoo, and body lotion. They thicken products, allowing them to spread evenly and cleanse and foam.

Conditioning polymers

These retain moisture on skin or in hair. Glycerin, a natural component of vegetable oils and animal fats, is produced synthetically in the cosmetics industry. It’s the oldest, cheapest, and most popular conditioning polymer.

Conditioning polymers are used in hair products to attract water and soften hair while swelling the hair shaft. They keep products from drying out and stabilize fragrances to keep the scents from seeping through plastic bottles or tubes. They also make products like shaving cream feel smooth and slick, and they prevent them from sticking to your hand.

Preservatives

Preservatives are additives that particularly concern consumers. They’re used to slow bacterial growth and prolong a product’s shelf life. This can keep a product from causing infections of the skin or eyes. The cosmetics industry is experimenting with so-called self-preserving cosmetics, which use plant oils or extracts to act as natural preservatives. However, these can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. Many have a strong odor that can be unpleasant.

Fragrance

Fragrance can be the most harmful part of a beauty product. Fragrance often contains chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction. You may want to consider avoiding any product that includes the term “fragrance” in its list of ingredients.

Despite its sinister sounding name, the word malic acid comes from the Latin word malum, which means apple. Malic acid was first isolated from apple juice in 1785, and it’s what gives some foods and drinks a tart taste. If you’re a fan of slightly acidic wine, malic acid probably played a huge role. It’s also a common ingredient in many hair and skin care products that include:

shampoos
body lotions
nail treatments
acne and anti-aging products
Malic acid is part of a family of fruit acids, called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Alpha hydroxy acids stimulate exfoliation by interfering with how your skin cells bond. As a result, dull skin is removed to make way for newer skin. Skin care products that contain malic acid can provide benefits that include:
skin hydration
exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells
improved skin smoothness and tone
reduction in wrinkles
Your body also produces malic acid naturally when converting carbohydrates into energy. Movement would be very difficult without malic acid. It’ll probably be no surprise that malic acid also has other health benefits too.

Keep reading to discover why malic acid is one of the ingredients you’ll want to keep an eye out for when shopping for your skin care products.
Part 2 of 5

Cleanses and rejuvenates the skin
Malic acid in skin care products is celebrated for its ability to brighten the skin and smooth its texture. That’s why it’s a common ingredient in anti-aging creams.

According to a brain-skin connection study, higher stress can worsen skin conditions like eczema, acne, and premature aging. And while wine can help reduce stress, external use of malic acid might be a healthier application.

Skin pH balance and hydration
Malic acid is also a humectant. It helps with moisture retention to help your skin stay hydrated.

A 2014 study about the hydration effects of aloe vera used malic acid, glucose, and a chemical compound in aloe vera (acemannan), as markers for fresh gel. Another small study also saw improvements in scales from old wounds after applying an ointment made of malic acid and petroleum jelly, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Skin pH balance and hydration
Malic acid is also a humectant. It helps with moisture retention to help your skin stay hydrated.

A 2014 study about the hydration effects of aloe vera used malic acid, glucose, and a chemical compound in aloe vera (acemannan), as markers for fresh gel. Another small study also saw improvements in scales from old wounds after applying an ointment made of malic acid and petroleum jelly, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Did you know?
A healthy pH level for skin should be slightly acidic. Aim to keep your skin’s pH level around 4.5 to 5.5.
Malic acid is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics to balance pH levels. According to Bartek, a manufacturer that makes cosmetic and food grade chemicals, malic acid is more balanced than other fruit acids. It has a better buffer capacity than other AHAs like citric and lactic acid.

Having a better buffer capacity means that you can use more malic acid without upsetting your skin’s acid-base balance, or pH levels. If your skin’s pH level is unbalanced, then your skin’s protective barrier may be destabilized and more prone to dryness or acne.

Anti-aging and scar lightening
AHAs promote a high skin cell turnover rate. This means your skin cells are renewed more quickly, resulting in:

fewer fine lines and wrinkles
more even skin tone
smoother skin texture
decreased blemishes
“Malic acid at higher concentrations can also penetrate into lower levels of the skin to bring about new collagen formation,” says dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu, director of the Derm Institute in California. Collagen is a protein that helps build and repair cells. It supports the skin and other body tissues’ strength and flexibility and prevents sagging. Collagen production slows down as you age, which is partly why skin loses its elasticity and firmness the older you get.

Using products with malic acid may increase collagen production and reduce signs of aging. Check out beauty blog ‘Hello Glow’ for three DIY (do it yourself) apple-based masks to rejuvenate your face, skin, and hair.

Have you tried these anti-aging tips yet? »

Acne prevention
Whether it’s in a lotion, cleanser, or light peeling agent, malic acid can help remove a buildup of dead cells. This is great for acne-prone skin. When the skin’s pores get clogged with too many dead skin cells and the skin’s natural oil (sebum), blackheads can form. Bacterial infections can also develop and cause breakouts.

“Malic acid breaks down the ‘glue’ that holds the dead skin cells together on the outer layer of the skin,” says Dr. Chiu. When these dead skin cells are swept away, “Your skin looks less dull and when your pores are unclogged, it helps reduce the formation of acne bumps and the discoloration that’s often associated with acne.”

While it sounds like a miracle cure, Dr. Chiu recommends sticking to low doses of malic acid. Unless your doctor recommends it, nonprescription skin care products will contain all the malic acid you need to fight breakouts or sagging skin. Higher doses, such as supplements, should only be taken if recommended by your doctor.

How to make your body Healthy – healthy lifestyle
health-body

Height
Most of us have a tough time, though, accepting what we perceive to be our flaws. Those who believe they’re too short look for miraculous growth formulas. But with the exception of human growth hormone administered to children of short stature under strict medical supervision, which can add 1.5 to 4 inches to a child’s adult height, the only way to increase height is to improve your posture or to wear platform shoes or high heels. People who think they’re too tall are less likely to look for a way to change their height, but they may unconsciously slouch or otherwise try to make themselves less conspicuous.

The truth of the matter is that there is no “right” height—or even a “healthy” height for that matter. And because you can’t really control your height, it’s best to do what you can to not worry about it. Sure, wear high heels if you want a couple of inches, and stick to vertical stripes to make you look longer, but don’t go crazy over it, because it’s out of your control.

Weight
On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with your weight, you can do something about it. It may take some willpower, hard work, commitment, and maybe some outside help, but losing weight is something we all can do. If you’re ready to lose weight, make sure you don’t get suckered in by any lose-weight-quick schemes; most of them are unhealthy and ineffective in the long run. Used tried-and-true methods like healthy dieting and exercise programs to shed pounds.

Weight loss has an extra benefit that goes above and beyond feeling good about fitting into a smaller size dress or shirt: even mild weight loss can prevent the onset of disease, ease symptoms for those already suffering, and even reverse the course of some chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, some types of cancer, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, back pain, and sleep apnea.

Weight is a touchy subject: not everyone is going to agree on an ideal body size. There are, however, some useful measures to determine your own personal “healthy weight.” The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests using the Body Mass Index (which estimates body fat) to determine whether you are in a healthy weight range for your height. Calculate your BMI by following these steps:

Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.

Divide by your height in inches.

Divide by your height in inches a second time.

Some Beauty Tips for Skin, Hair & Lipsbeauty-tips
beauty tips
Read here! I love this time of the year, when there is a nip in the air. But the season can also play havoc with your skin, leading to dry, flaky skin and chapped lips, if adequate care is not taken. This becomes especially important for young brides, whose weddings are right around the corner. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your skin hydrated and glowing throughout the season.Dry skin suffers more than oily skin so if you have dry skin, you should follow these tips more religiously. However, the following measures are helpful for all types of skin-

1. Watch Your Diet
Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments, but also on your food intake. A proper nutritious intake helps in rejuvenating the skin from within. Water is essential for our body and a good intake of 3-4 litres daily should be maintained by all. This helps in retaining the moisture of your skin as well as keeping skin disorders at bay. Fruits and vegetables in your daily diet release a lot of water into your system. Primrose syrup / capsules and olive oil in your diet aid in softening the skin.

2. Moisturise Daily
Cold weather and cool winds aggravate dry skin condition. Moisturisers and cold creams are a must during winters. Tone and moisture after each cleansing to preserve and replenish the moisture in your skin. Use a moisturising night cream every evening. Apply a daytime moisturiser around your eyes and on dry areas each morning, after a dermatologist’s opinion on suitable brands.

Use the paste of ground green gram powder instead of soap to work your way to soft and supple skin if you believe in going natural. You can also mix it with curd / raw milk.

3. Oil Therapy
Pamper you skin with a little coconut oil before a bath to heal dryness and chaps. Use a creamy soap that renders that extra suppleness to your skin.

Wait 30 minutes after bathing, or washing your face, before going out into frigid air. Splash your face with cool water when you come back inside as it’s known that extreme temperature changes can burst capillaries near the skin’s surface.

Add a few drops of oil to the water that you are using to bathe. This will help retain the moisture lost when bathing. In fact, going for a pre-bath warm oil self-massage, called abhyanga, is highly recommended. Avoid using very hot water during winter as it can decrease the natural oils of your skin. Instead shorten your bath time.

4. Include Flaxseeds, Almonds and Ghee
Although it doesn’t necessarily taste fabulous, flaxseed oil can moisturise your body from the inside. Since it is rich in vital fatty acids, it can do a lot for your overall health. It is available in oil form as well as in capsule form.

Give your skin lipid support from within by including soaked and blanched almonds, soaked walnuts, whole milk, fresh cheese, and ghee (clarified butter) in your diet which will definitely add wonders to your skin.
5. Amla
The amla fruit (Indian Gooseberry) is the richest known natural source of vitamin C. Amla provides concentrated nourishment to the deeper layers of the skin. Take it on a regular basis to replenish the skin from within.
6. Lip Care
Avoid licking your lips and don’t bite the skin on the surface of your lips. The skin will never have a chance to heal if you chew on it. It will end up becoming thicker, giving you black coloured lips. This is a hard habit to break but well worth the effort.
7. Lip Balm
Keep lips covered with a good balm applied several times during the day. Lip balms are now commonly available with an SPF factor. Make sure the lip balm contains SPF 15 or 20. Other ingredients to look out for while buying a lip balm or chap stick are vitamin E and shea butter.
Massaging lips with ghee (clarified butter) and leaving a thin layer on overnight acts as a natural protection for lips.

Busting Myths
So who said sunscreen is only for the summers? The sun is out 365 days a year and be it summer, rain or winter, you need to protect your skin from the sun. Photo damage could result in early wrinkling, and increase in pigmentation can occur if one does not apply sunscreen during winters.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of healthresort and Healthresort does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Read About Your Skin When It’s Need To Be Clean
skin clean

Your skin has a thin protective layer called the acid mantle that’s made up of amino and lactic acids that mix easily with fatty acids (oils) from the sebaceous glands. These glands secrete oil that protects your skin.

The pH level of the acid mantle on our skin is about 5.5 which is slightly acidic. The pH scale ranges from 1-14, with 7 being neutral, 1 being acidic, and 14 being alkaline.

The sebaceous glands are concentrated mostly on the face and scalp, where the skin is delicate and exposed. When you wash your hair and face with soap, you wash away not only the dirt that’s clogging your pores but also the oil that protects it. So you no more have a natural protection for your skin. It gets dry easily and leaves it more vulnerable to skin breakouts and other skin problems like eczema.

The reason soap-based, chemical products strip the oil away from your hair or skin is because they’re extremely alkaline and they act as surfactants. It’s also better to choose products that match your acid mantle i.e slightly acidic.

Three-Step Daily Skin Care Routine

The first step is to ditch cleansers entirely. Sounds counter intuitive and wrong? But the key word here is OCM or the Oil Cleansing Method. The science behind this method is that oil has no pH level, because it’s insoluble in water and therefore, it doesn’t affect the pH level of your skin.

The fact that it’s insoluble in water is why it makes for a good cleanser – oil is lipophilic or simply, oil dissolves in oil. When you use oil depending on your skin type to cleanse your face, you dislodge the dirt that clogs your pores and wipe it away without removing the sebum from your sebaceous glands and the acid mantle that protects your skin.

The second step is to make toners your best friend. They are like the acid mantle of our skin -slightly acidic. Alcohol free Witch Hazel is the basis of most toners. It has a pH of 3, but a 1:1 solution of witch hazel and hydrosol has a pH of 5. The benefit of using toner many times a day is that it not only cleanses your face but also supports its pH balance.

The third step is to get into a routine for cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. You should only cleanse in the morning when you wake up, and to get your makeup off in the afternoon or evening. If you do it more than that, regular wiping can dry out your skin. Tone several times a day, and moisturize later, but not at night, so that your skin can breathe.

While you follow this daily routine, it is also equally important to eat well. It’s worth considering the possibility that alkalizing foods like fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, and soy could help your skin at least by providing your body with a ton of nutrients that actually maintain the pH level of your blood.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Some Solutions To Prevent Hair Loss
hairlossprevention

Hair play an important role in human body. If they are at head, they will enhance face beauty and attract others, if they are at body, they will insulate the human body. Hair also protect skin from external factors, such as direct sunlight damage and chapped skin. Hair serve as a buffer against friction. Hair also soak up sweat from the skin so that it won’t cause irritation from friction and hair also redirect sweat so that certain parts of the body can dry faster and stay protected. Long and strong hair is a gift of Almighty Allah, as long and well combed hair change you look and make you more beautiful and attractive.

Hair loss is very common problem of men and women and every second person is facing it. People use different pharmaceutical items, products and other things to cop up this problem. Many companies make different products to solve this problem but after using these products, people come to know that the problem is still alive and annoying. Buying these products is also very expensive.

There are number of different reasons that cause hair loss such as oily scalp, hereditary, imbalance of hormones, dandruff, irregularity in diet, irregularity in washing hair, change of water and too much stress.

So, before starting efforts to treat hair fall you must have to find the actual reason for falling off your hair and once the reason has been found there are some useful everyday tips to prevent hair loss as follows:

1. Hot oil massage:
Take hot oil massage of your hair. This will help to restore the moisture of your locks, replenish the hair roots, provide sufficient nourishment, reduce the hair loss and make them healthy and strong. You can use any oil like olive, canola or coconut oil. Heat it up so that it is warm, but not too hot. Massage it on your scalp gently and leave it for an hour. After one hour wash your hair.
Hair Loss Problems and Solutions2. Onion juice:
Onion juice gives positive results in reducing hair loss and is said to boost hair growth and fighting against hair loss providing hair with all the necessary nutrients which are helpful in proper growth of hair. Apply onion juice on your scalp. Leave it on overnight and wash it thoroughly in the morning.
3. Daily head massage:
Massaging the scalp of your head will increase the circulation and will help you to reduce the hair fall. It will also keep the hair follicles active.
4. Mixture of Fenugreek seeds and yogurt:
Hair washed with the paste of Fenugreek seeds and yogurt prevents baldness and makes hair healthy and strong.
5. Excess of protein:
Use protein rich foods in your everyday life because your hair is made up of protein. One of the most reason of hair falling is the deficiency of proteins in your body, so never let your hair starve due to lack of this important nutrient in your diet.
6. Regular hair wash:
Dirty and polluted hair is more likely to get infected and more likely to fall, so keep your hair clean. Buy good quality shampoo and hair products. While shampooing your hair, be gentle on the hair and use your finger tips to massage your scalp for at least 40 seconds. Good stimulation is quite helping for growing hair.

7. Over washing of hair:
Never over wash your hair because excess washing of hair will not only strip the dirt but also take away the natural oils, moisture and damage the hair badly.
8. Avoid combing wet hair:
Don’t comb your hairs when they are wet as this lead to greater chances of breakage and falling of hair. So comb your when it is properly dry.

Home beauty tips for men and women
beauty-tips
beauty-tips
Beauty is a huge topic liked by everyone who wants to look smart, younger and attractive. It is observed globally that people don’t have time to take care of their health and beauty. Women spend more time on makeup and other beauty gaining activities than men. There are thousands of hard working men who even don’t have time to wash their hands and face with beauty soaps. Many people in world could not spend a lot of money just for looking smart and beautiful. They are earning their food and living expenses with too much difficulties so they could not spend even a little money on beauty creams etc. Keeping this in mind, I am writing this article to help men and women to take care of their beauty at home using homemade remedies.
These remedies don’t promise you to catch the moon or stars but I promise, if you act upon these simple home made beauty tips and tricks then you will enhance your beauty and attract others. These are as follows:

It is good practice for those people who have spent all their day in doing difficult task such as laboring etc to take bath with warm water regularly before going to sleep at night because it not only relaxes muscles and calms tension but also make body skin to look better, glowing and fresh.
A well balanced diet also plays a vital role for making your skin fresh, glowing and good looking. If your diet includes excess of water, fresh fruits and vegetables then your skin will become smooth and glowing within few days. Also fresh fruits and vegetables burn fats from your body which when present in body not only dehydrate your skin but also make your skin dull and unpleasant. Balanced diet also fights against aging effects.
Stress is one of the biggest enemy of your skin making it dull. It is one of the main cause of face acne because when you feel tense then the production of fat in areas such as skin and scalp increases which results in face acne and other skin problems. So keep you away from bad news and try to do such activities that help you in relieving stress as meditation or exercise such as yoga.
Homemade Beauty TipsSkin only performs its natural repair process when you sleep seven to eight hours every night. If you don’t sleep well, it is not only bad for your skin but also increases your body weight which in turn destroys your natural beauty.
Our hair need much more attention and care. When you have no time to wash the hair, dry shampoo is the best solution to remove grease from the roots and the hair is getting lost. The wipes are useful for retouching makeup has been run.
Every young girl and woman in this world desires to enjoy fair white complexion skin but the question arises how many people in this world have fair color by birth? So don’t worry if you don’t have fair white color. You can get fair complexion by taking and mixing 1 cup of tea water, 2 tea spoon flour and half spoon honey. When this mixture gets ready apply it on face and hands skin, leave it for half an hour then wash it with cold fresh water. You can use lemon and tomato, turmeric and tomato, yogurt and orange, and other homemade face masks to get fair white complexion skin.
Oily skin can be treated by applying lemon and cucumber juice for a few minutes. This will help you to make your oily skin a little more fairer.
Dry skin can be treated by applying white of the egg and applying it to skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash your skin with fresh water, few application will make your skin fresh, healthy and beautiful.
Wrinkles around and under eyes destroy face beauty and it main causes are the exposure harmful sun rays, smoking, pollution, fast weight loss and skin pigmentation. Most working home remedy for wrinkles is lemon or cabbage juice massage. Rose water, pineapple, papaya and regular facial massage can help you to make your eyes wrinkles free.
[adsense]Obesity is also a big problem and changes our body look. You can use homemade remedies for weight loss and act upon weight loss diet plan to get rid of extra pounds. Always drink water before eating meal. Don’t eat more than hunger. Never try to full till neck.
Daily exercise can also help you to maintain the beauty of your body. If you think your daily routine is dull and lazy then spare some minutes or at least half hour for simple exercises or fast walking.
You can make your lips pink and beautiful by massaging your lips every night before going to bed with lemon juice and almond oil. Lemon juice and glycerin homemade remedy is well known from years to lighten your dark lips.
Brush your teeth once early in the morning and second before going to bed. Its also a good habit to brush teeth after every meal. It not only cleans your teeth but also enhance your beauty by making them white and beautiful.
Dear readers, these are few homemade beauty tips that will really help you to live happy and beautiful life. There are many other simple tips that can solve your beauty problems. You can read different health, beauty and fashion articles at geomarriage.com for maintaining your health, beauty and outlook. If you want to add your own tips to this article then write me directly or add your comments at the end of this post.

Skin Glowing and Fairness Homemade Tips
If you take good care of your health and diet you will have a beautiful and glowing skin. In the condition of your skin heredity, diet and the environment play an important part. But good skin care routine is also very important. To improve your skin and prevent it from problems and dullness take care of it on regular basis. To keep your skin clean and remove dead cells from your skin is involved in your daily skin care. Dull complexion is because of dead cell present in the skin. You have the right to look good and have beautiful skin so you also have to take care of your skin for this.
Homemade Tips to Make Your Skin Glowing and Healthy
1. Cleanse your skin with a good cleanser at least twice a day. Cleanser can help you to remove dead cells from your skin and leave your skin fair and glowing.
2. Toner also helps you to clean your skin deeply. Apply toner to your face after cleanser this process can make your skin more free from dead cell.
3.Apply moisturizer to your face before going to sleep and leave it for the night. This can help you to prevent acne and dryness.
4. Scrub also removes dead skin and makes your skin healthy and glowing.
5. Mask can prevent your skin from dullness because it can remove dead cells from skin.

2. Wash your face and apply fresh lemon juice to your face with the help of cotton. Lemon juice is highly acidic in nature and can help you to remove dead skin cells and reveal your skin’s fresh and youthful complexion.
3. Baking soda is alkaline in nature and can help you to remove dead skin cell and leave your skin damage free. Take 1 tea spoon of baking soda and mix it with water. Apply the mixture on your face and wash it off after 30 minutes with water.
4. Egg white also helps you to remove dead skin cell which is responsible for dull complexion. Take two egg whites and stir them up, now apply this to your face and leave it for 20 minutes and after 20 minutes rinse it off with Luke warm water.
5. Mix flour with milk and make a paste apply this paste to your face and leave it for 20 minutes then wash it off with Luke warm water.

6. Combine egg white with 3 tea spoons of lemon juice and 1 tea spoon of olive oil and apply this mixture to your face and leave it for 10 minutes then rinse it off with milk . Repeat this process until you achieve glowing and healthy skin.
7. Mix 2 tea spoon of shoji with milk and make a paste. Apply this paste to your face and massage it in circular motion as a scrub and rinse it off after 10 minutes.
8. Take 2 table spoon of green tea and add 1 table spoon of sugar and cream and apply this mixture to your face and rub it for 10 minutes and rinse it off with water.

Dear readers, in this article I have described some very basic things that you can use to make your skin glow and healthy. These home remedies can make your skin attractive and sharp. If you have anything in your mind that you have to ask or you have any suggestion, you can comment in the comment box below or you can directly contact us through our contact us

Hair styles are the most important factor for our best appearance. If you have long, thick hair your personality will look inspiring to others. But if you have some problems related to your hair you will lose your confidence easily. One worse problem related to your hair is hair fall or hair loss problem. You probably lose 50 to 100 strands of hairs in every day. And this is normal hair loss. When your hair loss exceeds this figure then bald patches and thinning of hair appear. This condition is known as ALOPECIA and this condition is experienced at the age of 30’s because in this age people can suffer hormonal changes, stress and unhealthy food conditions. These factors cannot be finished or corrected so instead of correcting these factors you can use some homemade treatment for hair loss and these treatment surely help you to make your hair healthy and thick and prevent you from hair loss.

Hair Loss Solution
1. Sulphur is the element that increases the production of collagen which is responsible for hair growth.
2. Some proteins, minerals and essential fats such as potassium and iron can reduce the hair falling or hair breakage.
3. Vitamin C is also a very important solution for hair loss.

Home Remedies For Hair Growth
1. Onion is a rich source of sulphur. Apply onion juice to your hair and leave it for 15 minutes. You can obtain onion juice by taking an onion slice and grind it well. Rinse it off after 15 minutes or 30 minutes with mild shampoo. Repeat this process twice in a week for best result.
2. Garlic is also a rich source of sulphur. Add a little amount of coconut oil in a few cloves of crushed garlic and boil it for a few minutes because the preparation of a mixture is needed. Cool down this mixture and apply it to your hairs and massage it well. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo after 15 minutes. Repeat this treatment 2 or 3 times in a week for good result.
3. Crush coconut and obtain it milk by squeezing and mix it with little water .Apply this to a specific area having balding and thinning. Leave it for overnight and rinse it off with water in a next morning.
4. Take 1 cup of dry powder of henna leaves and a cup of curd mix it well. Apply this to your hair and leave it to dry and when it became a dry wash it off with mild shampoo and cool water. Henna is playing a major role in strengthening hairs.
5. Take 1 cup of dry powder of henna leaves and a cup of curd mix it well. Apply this to your hair and leave it to dry and when it became a dry wash it off with mild shampoo and cool water. Henna is playing a major role in strengthening hairs.
6. Massage your hairs with sunflower oil and after 20 minutes wash it off with mild shampoo. Massage with sunflower increase blood flow and stimulate hair growth.
7. Mix black pepper with crushed lime seed and make a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and massage affected area for 15 minutes then wash it off.
8. Take one egg and one cup of yogurt mix them well and make a paste. Apply this paste to your hairs leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water.
9. Massage your hair with mustard oil and leave it on your hair overnight and wash it off in the next morning. Mustard oil can provide you necessary minerals that can strengthen your hair.

I hope all these hair fall growth solution home remedies will help you in getting long and strong hair within few days. If you have any thing in your mind or you thing there is something better that you can suggest you can comment in the comment box below or you can directly contact me through our contact us page.

Revitalash Advanced
Your dreams of rocking mascara ad lashes can finally come true-without the use of falsies or extensions. Revitalash Advanced is officially the Rolls Royce of lash conditioners. Not only does the serum grow ultra-lush length as it promises, but nourishing ingredients like green tea, ginseng, and biotin also shield your lashes from external irritants to keep them from breaking.

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Serum

Now here’s what we call a cheap trick. Rimmel’s lash-boosting serum is one of the best versions we’ve found under $10, and is lightweight enough to wear under makeup.

Vichy Liftactif Serum 10

Consider Vichy’s innovative serum to be an eye cream with a day job. The potent blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides boast serious anti-aging benefits for your peepers, diminishing crow’s feet and fine lines, as natural plant sugars give your lashes a boost, and restore the moisture they may have lost to excess eye makeup.

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Turbo

While some products may fail to live up to their given names, Peter Thomas Roth’s Lashes to Die For Turbo is one that actually delivers, thanks to its ability to grow skyscraper length in record time. The potent formula uses a blend of nourishing peptides that won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin types, and in just four weeks, all of your friends will be wondering whether your lashes are the real deal, or Kardashian-esque extensions.

Givenchy Mister Lash Booster

Givenchy’s polymer-rich formula actually doubles as clear mascara, delivering a shiny, defined finish that works to extend your length with each use. The user friendly comb applicator also makes using the serum on sparse brows a breeze.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 02: Actress Gwyneth Paltrow speaks during the Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch launch event at Spring Studios on November 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Frederique Constant)
If you have dry, sensitive skin, you may be wondering if you’re using the right moisturizer, or if you should switch to an oil, or a balm—or maybe a serum? And what’s the best way to exfoliate without causing more irritation? The editors of Goop have you covered with their new Goop Clean Beauty ($30, amazon.com), a thorough guide to looking naturally gorgeous (and the first book from Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand). “Whether you suffer seasonally or constantly, and whether the problem is severe or mild, arriving at the ultimate regimen that keeps your skin supple, dewy, and comfortable is an achievable goal for most people,” the editors write. But because the causes of dryness and irritation can be so varied, finding the right products for your skin takes some tinkering. In the excerpt below, they outline the essentials elements of a healthy hydration routine, which can be tailored to your own preferences and sensitivities:
CLEANSE
How you cleanse your skin—both face and body—is an essential factor to look at if you are struggling with dry or sensitive skin. Pretty much anything that foams or lathers is your enemy. Lather = detergent, in most cases. Conventional “moisturizing” body washes, for example, combine moisturizing ingredients with detergents (not to mention perfumes, which can further irritate and dehydrate)—which can spell serious trouble for dry skin. Consider oil, cream, or balm cleansers (natural, clean ones are much more likely to include only moisturizing ingredients as opposed to fillers and texturizers), and consider cleansing less. Your skin isn’t dirty when you wake up in the morning—so don’t bother disrupting it with cleansing. If you must cleanse in the morning, finish immediately with an oil or moisturizer. In the shower, cleansing oils or creams are ideal, and a super-gentle (the gentle is important), very oily scrub can lightly exfoliate and moisturize all at once.

RELATED: 29 Expert Beauty Tips Every Woman Should Know

MOISTURIZE
How thick a cream or lotion is often indicates how moisturizing it is. But what you see isn’t always what you get. Conventional moisturizers can appear thick, but much of that richness might be added fillers and texturizers. Silicones are particularly deceptive, they add nothing to the actual hydrating power of a moisturizer, but are used to make products feel more moisturizing, blend-able, and comforting. Another extremely common texture-enhancer, propylene glycol (a.k.a. antifreeze), makes products feel softer and gentler, but does nothing to actually nourish or help skin. Conversely, there are ultra-hydrating serums that feel like practically nothing on the skin. Still, in general and especially when you’re working with clean, nontoxic products, thicker is a fairly reliable indication of more moisturizing power.

Applying moisturizers—or any products, really—when your skin is wet is a good idea for two reasons, the obvious being that it seals in the water that’s on your skin. But the more important aspect is that wet skin is more porous, so treatment ingredients—in this case, hydrators—can penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, where they can do the most good.

In addition to moisturizers, there are a handful of other classes of products that deliver the same results. Below we outline the philosophy behind using balms, oils, cream, lotions, and serums:

Why use a balm
The thickest, most skin-coddling, nourishing option in moisturizing, your average balm is not something you’re going to want to put on under makeup: A good one is thick, occlusive, and super-healing. Most balms are nicely multipurpose and great on skin, but also lips, and on dry or rough spots all over the body. You can also use them over sunblock in extreme weather situations like skiing.

Dry winter skin, be gone! Below-zero temps outside and dry indoor heat can do a number on your complexion. The good news: we have the smart strategies to help you defeat dry, flaky skin once and for all. From how to correctly apply skincare products (think: choosing the hardest-working formulas and knowing the right way to layer them on) to the best hydrating cleansers (believe it or not, the foaming ones aren’t always good for skin) to helpful exfoliation tips (say “yes” to gentle fruit enzymes and “no” to harsh f)ruit pits, here are the best winter skincare tips from the pros to help you achieve a healthy, smooth, radiant complexion all season long.

Feeling extra tight and flaky? Blame your foaming face wash. That’s right: The more a cleanser lathers, the harsher and more drying it’s likely to be. Creamy, soap-free formulas, such as a cleansing balm like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm ($38; amazon.com), are a good choice. Cleansing balms dissolve dirt and debris while leaving natural oils behind, says W

When it comes to keeping skin looking young, no beauty ingredient does the job like retinol. The vitamin A derivative diminishes the appearance of age spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles, explains Kim Nichols, MD, a dermatologist based in Greenwich, Conn. It also shrinks blackheads, boosts elasticity, and reduces redness, inflammation, and pore size.



Retinol works its magic through cell turnover, says Suneel Chilukuri, MD, dermatologist and founder of Refresh Dermatology in Houston. “Retinol ensures the newest, healthiest cells rise to the surface while the dull and lifeless cells are sloughed off,” he says.



Thing is, that accelerated cell turnover can bring on a case of what some call “retinol uglies”—dryness, flaking, redness, and increased sensitivity. And in the winter, when dry heat, wind, and low humidity are already sucking moisture away from your skin, you may be even more prone to retinol-induced blotchiness.



No one wants to put her anti-aging skincare regimen on hold until the warmer weather comes, and with a few tweaks you won’t have to. First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to prevent your skin from getting dehydrated (here are seven easy ways to drink more water). Apply moisturizer every morning and night, and those with especially parched complexions can also add a hydrating serum. “In the summer, I use a lighter moisturizer,” says Dr. Nichols, who is also Avon’s Consulting Dermatologist. “But in the winter, I may replace a daily moisturizer with a heavier one. Vitamin E and aloe are effective moisturizing ingredients.” And be sure you’re not applying too much retinol—you only need about penny-size dab for your whole face.



Dr. Chilukuri cautions that excessively hot showers and steam also dehydrate skin. “Most of our patients are able to easily tolerate the appropriate retinol throughout the winter,” he says. “In some cases, you may need to decrease the number of nights per week you are using it. You can limit use to two to three nights a week to prevent additional dryness and irritation.”



If you’re still experiencing parched skin, buy a lower strength retinol for the cold season. “A .5% rather than a 1% may be the right fit for winter,” says Dr. Nichols. “The frequency and strength varies per age and skin type. Sensitive skin might apply retinol .5% retinol two to three times week, while a man or woman in their forties or fifties may prefer a retinol at 1% four to five times a week.”



However, all retinols should be used under the care of a pro. “It is important to have an initial consultation with a dermatologist or qualified skincare expert to determine the best retinol for your skin,” says Dr. Chilukuri. “Typically, patients can avoid complications such as dry, irritated skin if the proper products are used and introduced correctly. Patients are then more compliant, will continue their regimen, and achieve long-term benefits.”